If SAHMs choose to go back to work, Mr Tay suggests the government could consider creating a SAHM “Returnship Programme” spanning 4 to 6 months to facilitate the matching of women jobseekers and employers.

A SAHM will be given guidance and training to update her skills, better understand the job and ascertain her suitability for the position.

If she successfully completes the Returnship Programme she can embark on the existing Professional Conversion Programme for further training to make the career switch.

2. CPF Top Ups

Currently, husbands (or children) who top up the CPF accounts of SAHMs can get CPF Cash Top Up Relief. Mr Tay is asking if the government can also regularly top up the CPF accounts of SAHMs directly.

3. Support for SAHMs who engage in part-time, temporary or freelance jobs

There are some SAHMs who work part-time, temporary or freelance jobs to earn some money to get by, but who lose out on Workfare scheme as they are younger than 35 years old, or their husbands earn higher than $70,000 assessable income.

Mr Tay asked if these SAHMs would be entitled to cash supplement, CPF contributions and training grant too, to encourage SAHMs to stay in connection with the job market and keep their skills updated to that they can easily transit back to the workforce in future.

How Can SAHMs Plan For Retirement?

Find a job which allows you the flexibility of working from home, so that you can earn your own income. You can find resources on flexi-work here.